NC LEAP Program Launched

The NC Lawyers for Entreprenuers Assistance Program (NC LEAP) launched in May 2007. Milan Pham is the founding Director of NC LEAP. The Business Journal carried the press release on May 24, 2007, which is duplicated here.

[quote]

Program to provide free legal work for entrepreneurs

A new statewide program designed to provide free legal assistance to low-wealth entrepreneurs will debut June 4 at the Nussbaum Center for Entrepreneurship in Greensboro.

The North Carolina Lawyers Entrepreneurs Assistance Program, or NC LEAP, will create a legal network statewide that can work with entrepreneurs to help them address legal barriers to economic development in low-wealth communities. To qualify for the program, business owners must make no more than 80 percent of the state median income for a family of their size and have less than $8,000 in savings.

More than 75 members of the N.C. Bar Association’s business law section have volunteered for the program, donating 2,500 hours of pro bono work.

Following a 10:30 a.m. ribbon cutting at the Nussbaum Center, participating lawyers will be available for free legal audits. Interested business owners are encouraged to call Milan Pham at (919) 657-1559 to reserve a time.

[/quote]